Dawn light slipped through the window of Aisha's chamber in Baghdad, washing over domed rooftops and towering minarets. The city slowly awakened: the call to prayer echoed from distant towers, the scent of freshly baked bread drifted from the markets, and servants moved swiftly through the house, preparing for the day.
After performing the dawn prayer, Aisha stepped onto the veranda. The morning breeze carried the fragrance of spices from the kitchen and the damp scent of earth from the courtyard. An elderly maid smiled warmly at her.
Aisha had just poured hot tea into her cup when her hand trembled slightly. The teapot tilted, and a splash of tea spilled toward a young maid carrying a tray.
"Oh—Astaghfirullah!" Aisha exclaimed, holding her breath.
The maid quickly steadied the cup and smiled, unbothered. "It's alright, my lady. Just a little warmth," she said with a light laugh.
Aisha lowered her head in embarrassment. "Astaghfirullah… I'm far too careless this morning."
After the small incident, Aisha remained on the veranda, enjoying the fresh air. Another elderly maid approached, smiling kindly.
"My lady, would you like to take a short walk through the city? Baghdad never truly sleeps, even in the early morning."
Before Aisha could answer, a cheerful voice rang out behind her.
"Assalamu'alaikum, our newest princess! Ready to conquer the city?"
Aisha turned to see Layla standing there with a wide grin, dressed in bright colors, followed by a maid carrying a tray of dates and goat's milk.
"Wa'alaikumsalam," Aisha replied. "You're far too energetic this early, Layla. I haven't even combed my hair."
Layla laughed. "Your hair was already a mess from sleeping."
Aisha shot her a sharp look. "One day, I'll write a book—and you'll be the first example of an annoying person."
Layla sat near the window and picked up a date. "I'm deeply honored, my lady."
Aisha laughed softly. "So you came this early just to disturb me?"
"Of course," Layla said dramatically. "I knew you'd be standing here, staring at Baghdad as if it belongs to you."
"I'm not like that," Aisha scoffed.
Layla shrugged. "Very well. Then let me offer something far more interesting than the spice market—Bayt al-Hikmah."
Aisha's eyes lit up. "Bayt al-Hikmah?"
"Yes! Scholars, rare manuscripts, endless scrolls of knowledge—" Layla paused.
"And a chance to prove I'm smarter than you?" Aisha teased.
Layla gasped theatrically. "Astaghfirullah! How arrogant! But fine—we shall see who triumphs."
Aisha laughed. "Wait. I must ask my father's permission first."
"Of course!" Layla said eagerly.
--
After a light breakfast—this time with safely poured tea—Aisha visited Al-Fadl in his study, a room filled with maps and documents. She asked for permission to go out, naturally with an escort.
Al-Fadl agreed, but with three conditions: proper protection, Bayt al-Hikmah as the first destination, and returning before sunset.
--
Aisha and Layla entered the palanquin, accompanied by Zahra, Mariam, and several guards.
Layla glanced at Aisha. "Ready to see the real Baghdad?"
"Of course. I'm no longer a child," Aisha replied.
"But you've never wandered freely through this city," Layla said with a chuckle.
Zahra added, "And there are many thieves."
"You worry too much," Aisha said.
"Because you're reckless," Zahra muttered.
Mariam laughed. "I agree. You truly need supervision, my lady."
The palanquin moved slowly forward. Aisha lifted the curtain slightly, watching the streets of Baghdad pass by. Layla nudged her.
"Look at that jewelry shop! Shall we stop?"
"Not yet. I'm curious about Bayt al-Hikmah," Aisha replied.
Layla sighed dramatically. "Subhanallah, you're unusually passionate this morning."
Zahra whispered to Mariam, "They're both exactly the same."
Mariam nodded in agreement.
As they neared Bayt al-Hikmah, Aisha parted the curtain once more, her eyes shining at the lively scene outside.
"So many people," she said, sounding impressed—though in truth, she was studying their clothing and the richness of their fabrics.
Zahra peeked from behind her. "Most of them are scholars. See? Books, scrolls… some even debate as they walk."
Layla smiled knowingly. "You feel like you're in paradise, don't you?"
"Perhaps," Aisha thought. Yet she admitted silently: I respect scholars… but sitting for hours reading and debating? No, thank you.
Mariam gestured forward. "We've arrived, my lady."
When the palanquin stopped, Aisha stepped down gracefully and looked up at the magnificent structure before her.
"Bayt al-Hikmah…" she whispered, her tone dramatic—but her heart beat faster, bracing itself for what awaited inside.